The five local circles in Milwaukee named Alpha, Beta, Grand Avenue,
Delta and Iota, recently had a grand reunion on the occasion of the visit
of the Superintendent of Instruction. It having been announced in the
papers that Dr. Vincent would attend the Wisconsin conference and preach
Saturday afternoon, the circles decided to give him a reception. The
committee on invitation sent out about two hundred invitations gotten
up in a very tasteful and unique manner. The envelopes were covered
with autumn leaves of most delicate tints, and contained each a square
gilt-edged card, also covered with leaves, bearing the monogram C. L. S.
C. and the following invitation: “You are kindly invited to meet Rev.
J. H. Vincent, D.D., Superintendent of Instruction of the Chautauqua
Literary and Scientific Circle on the evening of Saturday, October 6, in
the parlors of the Grand Avenue Congregational Church. Reception, 6 to 9.
Refreshments, 6:30.”
There was also a smaller card containing a neat little device in a circle
in the center, representing a hand holding a handkerchief, and a request
in the corner that this card be shown at the door.
Besides these two cards there was a green leaf (artificial) in each
envelope for a badge, and a little printed slip of instructions,
directing each member to wear the leaf as a badge, and explaining the
Chautauqua salute to be given Dr. Vincent when he entered the room.
The committees on decorations and on supper made diligent preparations,
so that when the time arrived parlor No. 1 was tastefully arranged
with vines and flowers, while through the open doors could be seen
twelve tables in parlor No. 2 arranged for an inviting feast. Among the
decorations was the banner of the class of ’86, made of maroon velvet
bordered with cream colored fringe, and bearing the class motto, in
letters cut from white felt, “We study for light to bless with light.”
Above the platform was a diploma granted to Mrs. William Millard of
the class of ’83, which arrived from Plainfield a few hours before the
reception, and was used as an object lesson by the Doctor in his address.
The entire event was most joyous, this being the first union meeting of
the circles, and the first time many of them had ever met their revered
leader. Of his address, what can be said but that it was _like him_;
full of uplifting thoughts and helpful ideas of inestimable value to all
Chautauquans, and delivered in his delightful manner.
On Sabbath Dr. Vincent conducted a vesper service in the Immanuel
Presbyterian Church, the largest in the city. The Chautauquans gathered
in an adjoining room, and forming two columns, headed by Dr. Vincent,
marched into the audience room where the central seats were reserved for
them. Short addresses were given by Bishop Hurst and Dr. Buckley, which,
with the impressive vesper service, made the occasion one long to be
remembered.